# Stardash vs Sarge by Ape Apps

The clearest difference is price: Sarge by Ape Apps at Free against Stardash's $1.99. Sarge by Ape Apps also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 69%) and rating (4.2 vs 3.9). Stardash's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On device support there is nothing between them.

Sarge by Ape Apps is free to download; Stardash costs $1.99 up front. Sarge by Ape Apps sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Stardash asks for nothing beyond the download.

Sarge by Ape Apps holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 24 and 5 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of Stardash's written reviews are positive against 100% of Sarge by Ape Apps's.

Stardash ships an update every 3 weeks, Sarge by Ape Apps every 13 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Stardash | Sarge by Ape Apps |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.9 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stardash/id465071724/reviews) | **[4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sarge-by-ape-apps/id1154549843/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **24** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 69.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 13 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 46 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Pascal Bestebroer](https://appshunter.io/developer/364591324) | [Brandon Stecklein](https://appshunter.io/developer/498894252) |

## What reviewers say

### Stardash

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stardash/id465071724)

Experience a challenging retro platformer with classic gameplay and vibrant pixel art. Master difficult levels with infinite lives, unlock secret areas, and enjoy an authentic chiptune soundtrack. This game offers a rewarding experience for those who love a good challenge.

**Highlights:** Classic platformer gameplay, Challenging levels, Infinite lives, Unlockable temple levels, Flip-mode challenges, Retro graphics, Original chiptune soundtrack

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great retro feel
- 👍 Addictive gameplay
- 👍 Tight controls
- 👍 Well-designed levels
- 👍 Good value for money

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy controls
- 🐛 High difficulty curve
- 🐛 Pixel-perfect jumps required
- 🐛 Inconsistent hit detection
- 🐛 Stuttering frame rate

**Reported bugs**

- Jump button disappeared after update
- Game crashes on iOS 7
- Doesn't work with iOS 11
- Proximity to enemies kills needs work
- Hit detection is weird

**Requested features**

- Joystick for movement
- Make Shesan Level 9 easier
- Update for iOS 11 compatibility
- Full screen on iPhone 5
- More sound effects


### Sarge by Ape Apps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sarge-by-ape-apps/id1154549843)

Embark on a side-scrolling platform shooter adventure as a space marine. Battle aliens, robots, and zombies through intense action, boss fights, and humorous cut-scenes to save the world.

**Highlights:** Side-scrolling platform shooter gameplay, Battle aliens, robots, and zombies, Intense boss fights, Hilarious cut-scenes, Run, jump, and shoot mechanics

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sarge Premium | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Stardash free?

Stardash costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Sarge by Ape Apps free?

Sarge by Ape Apps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Stardash or Sarge by Ape Apps?

Sarge by Ape Apps is rated higher. Stardash averages 3.9 out of 5 from 24 ratings, while Sarge by Ape Apps averages 4.2 from 5 ratings.

### Do Stardash or Sarge by Ape Apps have ads?

Sarge by Ape Apps shows ads; Stardash does not.

### Which is updated more often, Stardash or Sarge by Ape Apps?

Stardash ships an update every 3 weeks, and Sarge by Ape Apps every 13 months. Most recently, Stardash was updated on November 1, 2026 and Sarge by Ape Apps on November 2, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*